The Streets turn another page with their first album in 12 years

The album, titled 'The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light', releases on 20th October, and will be accompanied by a debut Feature Film by Mike Skinner of the same name.

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 13th Jul 2023

Mike Skinner & Co today announced their return with their first full-length album since “Computers and Blues” in 2011. The new record will be titled 'The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light' and is being released on 679 Recordings/Warner Music UK Ltd on October 20th.

It promises to be a classic Streets album, filled with Skinner’s trademark lyrical wizardry and beats built over a decade of honing his abilities as a legitimate bass/rap DJ in clubs. The tracks are all written by Skinner but feature vocal contributions from longtime collaborators Kevin Mark Trail and Robert Harvey, as well as a track featuring Teef.

The first taster from the record, “Troubled Waters”, was also released today, and the single is a euphoria-inducing cascade of synthesisers, underpinned by Skinner’s trademark lyrical flair. A minimalistic half-step beat provides the backdrop to the gritty realism of Skinner’s storytelling, which fervently advances with a rapid changing of pace. Stripped back drum and bass rattle with the track as the arrangement unfolds into its latter stages.

To accompany the release, Mike Skinner will be releasing his debut Feature Film of the same name. The songs on the album soundtrack the film and also play the role of narrator to what's happening on screen, and whilst neither the album nor film exists without each other, both can be enjoyed separately.

The film is a tripped-out noir murder mystery based in and around Londons club scene. Skinner has written, directed, shot, edited, scored, funded, and even created his own special effects on the film; shooting at a number of different locations in 2022 across the UK. The film will initially be screened on dates to be announced at Everyman Cinemas throughout the UK, with more details on this to follow soon.

On the joint releases, Mike Skinner said: "It has been seven long years working on this film and album. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and after dipping my toe in with some shorts and music videos, I felt I was ready. I tried to go the traditional route for a bit, but it’s always served me better to follow my instincts and just get on with it myself, so I've directed it, acted in it, edited, sound mixed, funded, produced it all as well as written it. The album doesn’t exist without it. Ultimately it’s all the fruits of a decade on the DJ circuit, watching people in clubs and back rooms, testing out beats and basslines to see what connected - and putting it all together into The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light”

In support of the album, The Streets will also embark on a headline UK tour beginning on the 26th of October, culminating at London’s historic Alexandra Palace on the 16th of November.

Tracklist

1. Too Much Yayo

2. Money Isn’t Everything

3. Walk Of Shame

4. Something To Hide

5. Shake Hands With Shadows

6. Not A Good Idea

7. Bright Sunny Day

8. The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light

9. Funny Dream

10. Gonna Hurt When This Is Over

11. Kick The Can

12. Each Day Gives

13. Someone Else’s Tune

14. Troubled Waters

15. Good Old Daze

If you simply can't wait for the album release and subsequent tour, then do not fear as The Streets have two huge live dates at both Alexandra Head at Cardiff Bay and Dreamland in Margate, Kent in September. Both of which you can find more information about in the links below:

The Streets at Alexandra Head at Cardiff Bay - HERE

The Streets at Dreamland in Margate, Kent - HERE

Or, if you just want to secure those tickets asap and avoid potentially missing out, you will be able to find them at the bottom of this page!

Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.